AMBLER, Pa. – The remnants of Hurricane Ida that made landfall on the Gulf Coast created treacherous conditions all the way up the East Coast and beyond. On the afternoon of September 1, 2021, Temple University’s Ambler Campus was struck by a devastating tornado that left millions of dollars in damages in its wake. The campus, originally founded as a horticultural school, boasts numerous gardens as well as an arboretum that were left devastated by the tornado.
One of the unique gardens located on the campus is the Sustainable Wetland Garden located between Widener Hall and Cottage Hall. This garden was originally constructed as Temple University’s entry into the 1997 Philadelphia Flower Show and known as “The Green Machine.” The exhibit displayed the capabilities of wetlands, with its diverse group of native species, to filter wastewater and reduce pollution. The popular exhibit was eventually disassembled and reconstructed as a permanent garden on the Temple Ambler Campus.
When the tornado came through, it heavily damaged the Sustainable Wetland Garden and completely destroyed its wooden pergola. The JJ White crew, led by Superintendent Mark Sadusky, was able to come in and re-build the structure, once again creating a welcoming environment for students and visitors to learn about the environment and how it can be sustained.
“We have a great relationship with Temple Ambler,” said JJ White Senior Vice President of GC and CM Jim Gallagher. “I’m proud that we are able to help bring the campus back to life.”
About JJ White:
JJ White is a multi-trade contractor founded in 1920, headquartered in Philadelphia, United States. The JJ White team provides industrial maintenance and general, mechanical, electrical, and HVAC construction services underpinned by a commitment to safety, innovation and quality.
JJ White is a wholly owned subsidiary of engineering and construction company, Clough.
